Second Coming: Charlotte Hornets Return to NBA

The NBA Board of Governors granted changing the Charlotte Bobcats’ name back to the Hornets starting the 2014-15 season.

The Hornets name became available after New Orleans changed their name to the Pelicans earlier this year. The Charlotte Hornets moved to New Orleans in 2002, and two years later the Bobcats joined the league as an expansion team.

Commissioner David Stern mentioned that Michael Jordan, who is the owner of the Bobcat, has lobbying to get the Charlotte Hornets name back since he purchase the organization back in 2010.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Hornets to Charlotte and the Carolinas,” Jordan said in a statement. “The passion and enthusiasm around this name change by fans in this market has been unmatched. They overwhelmingly told us what they wanted, we listened and we couldn’t be happier with the Board of Governors’ approval of the name change.

“With the young team we are developing on the court, the direction of our business and the return of the Hornets name, we are extremely excited about our future. The buzz is back!”